Hello again. Sorry for my delay, but I got overloaded with work and stuff that is boring, and you probably don't wanna hear about. ;) Good news is that I have many ideas for new stuff. I just need to start my vacations for real. Tell me what you like and what you don't, so I can learn for future.

This one is post-IM2. Sorry for mistakes I didn't catch. (:

Jealousy Part I

Pepper tapped her heels against the floor. Once. Twice. It didn't help. Ok, how about counting to 10?, she thought and looked at the ceiling. 1... 2... 5... 8... Is it 10 already? Damn. Nope, nothing. The most obvious symptom of anxiety taking over her was her uncontrollably shaking, under the table, leg. Leaving the place for home seemed to be a tempting idea, only if she hadn't gotten to the Concert Hall just 30 minutes away. CEO, she still was, couldn't leave yet. But it was already hell... and her, ridiculously expensive, green dress was itching crazily everywhere.

There was this, unnecessarily complicated, plan, that both of them would show up at his 4th annual benefit for the Firefighter's Family Fund with different partners. Hers and Tony relationship was still in early, uncertain stage of romance and she didn't want that ruined by anyone's coarse comments. It was a funny thought, though. Pepper almost gave up in the past, searching for any opportunity to leave Tony and resign. There were ups and downs, and every time she tried to take a step forward new life, she was actually making two steps back. Way to do that and deal with her unplanned crush for her boss with accepting the position of CEO. However, Pepper knew now deep inside she would never had the guts to leave Tony and Stark Industries, even if they didn't end up together. He was lost without her by his side, and that was a comforting thought, especially now with some blondie leaning against him.

Calm down, she's there at your own wish. Plus, after all it's you he had his stupid penis inside of just yesterday, neither of you complained about that, Pepper sighed and gulped down her martini, immediately scolding herself mentally, Now, now, Virginia, don't be vulgar. You're better than that. You're rising above.

"I'm rising above," she said to herself, but for sure a bit too loudly, because Jerry turned from some officer he's been talking to and looked at Pepper quizzically. She could swear that in artificial light his suntan was gaining an unhealthy shade of purple color. And, oh God, that sick amount of hair-gel...

"What? Did you say something, Pep?" Jerry asked, blinking idiotically.

"No, nothing important," Pepper smiled falsely and her gaze found again Tony with his date across the hall. Jerry's eyes followed the track of hers and he laughed, nudging the officer with his elbow slightly.

"Our man is back on the horse, huh?" he sneered and added, "Isn't that funny, Pep? Tony will never grow up, he likes to play with these toys too much," and with that officer sitting on Jerry's right laughed too, nodding his head.

"Yeah, so funny..." Pepper responded acidly, trying to hold back a roll of eyes. "I'll be right back, get myself a drink," she added and rose from her chair without waiting for Jerry's response. However his hand was quicker and caught her wrist, stopping Pepper in her tracks.

"I can get you another one," Jerry insisted, while Pepper got her hand out of his grasp, trying to stay calm.

"It's OK, I need to stretch out my legs anyway," she replied impatiently to her 'date'.

"You sure?"

"Positive," Pepper declared and rushed for the bar. Before she managed even to say a word to the bartender, a deep, masculine voice forestalled her.

"Martini with extra olives and a scotch, please," the man said, giving the bartender a banknote. Pepper looked up to see Rhodey smiling at her widely.

"What are you doing here?" she asked surprised. Rhodey pretended to look hurt.

"As I recall, you're the one that invited me here, chief," he answered, handing her the drink. "How's the party going on?" was his question, before gulping the scotch down and leaning against the bar.

"Is it normal that I'm already tired of it? Want to go home?" Pepper sighed, playing with toothpick in the martini.

"That's OK, you work hard," Rhodey nodded, "Give me one dance and sneak out, I'm sure they won't notice."

"No, dance with your partner. You aren't alone, are you?" she shook her head and put away the glass.

"I am. I just dropped in here for a second for you," he answered, leading Pepper gently to the dance floor.

"Thank you," she answered, relaxing in friend's arms right away.

"So how are things between you and Tony?" James asked, whispering so nobody would hear him. "Is that silly ass treating you good?"

"We're fine. I think he's really trying, you know," Pepper smiled and her dance partner grinned back.

"I know. But why did you put up a show with the model? Are you testing him?" he raised an eyebrow, noticing that Tony and the girl were dancing also.

"Yes... and no. Not really," the red-head heaved a sigh, gripping on Rhodey's arms, suddenly feeling insecure out of nowhere.

"Then what is it about?" Rhodey pushed.

"It's about... Um... privacy and..." Pepper trailed off, not able to find the words as her eyes saw blondie's palms wander dangerously close to Tony's hips. For heaven's sake, why was he letting her do that? That wasn't in the plan. Then she was surprised greatly, when the model kissed him on the lips. Panicked Pepper, noticing no protest from Tony, looked away. Deciding she already has seen enough, she only mumbled "I'm sorry", before leaving confused James alone and storming out for the balcony. Luckily it was empty and she reached the end of it. The red-head breathed in the fresh, post-rain breeze and let out a long sigh, but the emotions whirling inside of her wouldn't quiet down.

"What is wrong with me?" she asked herself, extremely thankful that Rhodey haven't followed her out there. Pepper knew why she reacted like she just did, but had a hard time getting used to it. Losing Tony was her deepest fear recently. She was afraid of losing him on one of his stupid, risky missions, but as well for the benefit of some other woman. And now she was standing there, alone, angry, because she knew it would happen sooner or later. It was Tony Stark after all. The other woman would definitely happen sometime. She was just that stupid to put one in his arms herself. Then Pepper tried to justify her behavior, convincing herself that it would happen even without her idiotic plans, probably.

Feeling mentally tired, but psychically too, Pepper decided to leave the benefit right away. As she turned, her plan was interrupted by two young women passing through the balcony, gossiping pretty loudly.

"... better then. Karen says he's not drunk enough, but she's is working on that. That bitch is going to get lucky with Tony-freaking-Stark tonight," surely said one.

"Don't bullshit me, Anne. He doesn't look that eager to me..." the other one replied doubtfully.

"Then why he dragged her to the toilets just now, huh?" Anne interrupted her friend, when they reached the railing. They must haven't noticed Pepper, or simply didn't care whether anybody could heard them, because they rambled on.

Pepper leaned heavily against the cold wall and her eyes drifted half closed. How did that Friday's evening turn into such an absurd one? What has just happened? She flickered her eyes quickly as quiet click of the doors was heard, meaning someone new got to the balcony. The girls heard it too and somehow went silent, staring blankly at the person that just came in. It was Tony. He noticed Pepper at once and approached her.

"Pepper," he groaned imploringly, but she remained silent, turning her head away. Tony growled, disgruntled, and turned round for a second to the girls. "Out, now," he snapped at them. "NOW!" he almost yelled, seeing no movement from them. His eyes followed them until they finally left, and he turned back to Pepper right away.

"Rhodey told me you were here," he started. Words of apology and explanation were about to be said, but he was interrupted by Pepper's cold voice.

"I am going home," she mumbled, looking everywhere but at him, and added like she was convincing herself on it, "Yes, home."

"Look at me," Tony demanded and got closer to her, crossing her out of way to escape. Pepper rolled her eyes, but looked at him tiredly.

"What? What? Go to your model, or some else girl, I don't care anymore. You don't have to torture yourself with me, please..." she started rambling, however Tony's sudden, sincere laugh baffled her totally.

"You're so adorable when you're jealous," was all Tony said before he dragged her against him and kissed her fully on the mouth. But Pepper didn't give in so easily.

"Shut up, I'm not," she barked, trying to push the man off herself, yet failing to do that, feeling his warm tongue in her mouth. "This is inappropriate," she moaned finally. Surrender was inevitable.

"I'm sorry I didn't react. I didn't want to make a scene, and everything happened so quickly. One moment I was trying to listen to her jabber, next she was kissing me and all I saw after I pushed her off right away, was a glimpse of your green dress when you stormed out," he breathed out, tearing his lips from her mouth for a moment, before she could run off or yell at him more. "Happy took care of her."

"Really."

"Really," Tony nodded, "I am serious about you and me, Pep. I don't want to ruin it. Don't you dare to doubt me on this."

"Promise me one thing," Pepper whispered, half-convinced, "that if I will ever, ever come up with such a stupid idea like today's one, talk me out of it, seriously."

"Sure thing, dear. I don't want your nerves to madden from jealousy. Green is not your color. And I mean it. I preferred my blue dress from last year. Its cutting too," came Tony's husky whisper, while he roamed with his hands at the small of her back and pulled her into another kiss. This one was more intense, mainly because Pepper needed to feel he was there and he was hers. She reached with her hand behind Tony's neck, and as he pushed her harder into the wall, she grasped the railing with other hand to keep her balance. A loud moan came from Pepper's lips, when Tony's palms rubbed her hips firmly. The hardness of the wall behind her became undetectable, and shortly she felt nothing else but the kiss, forgetting her anger and jealousy.

"What the hell?" question was decried, pulling the hazed pair out of their world. Pepper titled her head to see it was Jerry standing at the balcony doors. "Pepper, what is going on?" he asked shakily.

The red-head buried her face in hers man chest, laughing merrily.

"What do you want, McKinley?" Tony questioned sharply.

Looking betrayed, Jerry replied slowly, disbelief still all over over his face, "Lieutenant Rhodes calls for you, he said something about some man called Fury, trying to reach you. He said something happened in Mexico."

These words were enough to pull Pepper back in her dark mood.

"Damn," Tony cursed, "thanks. Now get lost," he added cockily, when Jerry didn't move. Then not really caring if he already left, Tony kissed Pepper with passion one, last time.

"Gotta run. Go home," Tony commanded. "Yes, your home," he insisted, seeing she was about to protest. "Get some sleep, you need it. Take the limo. But leave a spare key to Happy when you get there. I'll be back tonight, I promise."

"Is it OK for you to drive your car?" Pepper asked, concerned, when he stepped back to leave.

"I didn't drink," he replied, a bit surprised at his own words too, before he smiled at her and left the balcony.

Pepper sighed quietly and rested against the cool wall once more. Probably she would be always worried or jealous about him. It was in her nature. However, it would be a bit more acceptable only if he came home every time, back to her. It couldn't be denied anymore, she was head over heels in love with that unpredictable asshole. Whatever future with him was about to bring for her, Pepper was ready for it.

For now she sneaked out of the charity event, neither caring about the guests, nor Jerry, longing to be as soon as possible in her bed, so that her nearest future could be her waking up sooner by Tony's side.

Thank you for reading. :)